Proverbs chapter 3 My son, do
not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments. For length of days and years
of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love
and faithfulness forsake you. Bind them around your neck. Write
them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good
success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all
your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all
your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes.
Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your
flesh and refreshment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your
wealth, and with the first fruits of all your produce. Then your
barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting
with wine. My son, do not despise the Lord's
discipline, or be weary of His reproof. For the Lord reproves
him whom he loves, as a father the son whom he delights. Blessed is the one who finds
wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from
her is better than gain from silver. and her profit better
than gold. She is more precious than jewels,
and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her
right hand, in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those
who lay hold of her. Those who hold her fast are called
blessed. The Lord, by wisdom, founded
the earth. By understanding, He established
the heavens. By His knowledge, the deeps broke
open, and the clouds dropped down the dew. My son, do not
lose sight of these. Keep sound wisdom and discretion,
and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Then you will walk on your way
securely, and your foot will not stumble. If you lie down,
you will not be afraid. When you lie down, your sleep
will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror,
or of the ruin of the wicked when it comes, for the Lord will
be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught. Do not withhold good from those
to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor,
go and come again, tomorrow I will give it. when you have it with
you. Do not plan evil against your
neighbor who dwells trustingly beside you. Do not contend with
a man for no reason when he has done you no harm. Do not envy
a man of violence, and do not choose any of his ways. For the
devious person is an abomination to the Lord. but the upright
are in his confidence. The Lord's curse is on the house
of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor. The wise will inherit honor,
but fools get disgrace. you